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DNA testing schemes for Samoyeds approved
The schemes have been approved following consultation with the breed's health coordinator.

The schemes include a test for progressive retinal atrophy.

The Kennel Club has approved two new DNA testing schemes for Samoyeds.

The schemes are for X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 (XLPRA1) and X-linked hereditary nephritis (XLHN) and follow consultation with the breed's health coordinator on behalf of the breed clubs.

XLPRA1 is an inherited condition of the retina caused by a faulty gene on the X-chromosome.

Affected dogs experience problems with their vision that gradually worsen as their photoreceptors start to break down. The condition may affect some individuals more than others, but it can lead to total blindness. 

XLHN is an inherited condition of the kidneys that causes them to become inflamed and stop working correctly. Also triggered by a faulty gene on the X-chromosome, it can lead to kidney failure and death, often at a young age, in both male and female dogs. 

A Kennel Club spokesperson said: “Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement and also on the Health Test Results Finder on The Kennel Club website.

“Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves. DNA test certificates should be scanned and emailed to health.results@thekennelclub.org.uk”.

More information about the DNA tests and which laboratories The Kennel Club records results from is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/xlpra1 (XLPRA1) and thekennelclub.org.uk/xlhn (XLHN).

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.